26 December 2016

Genealogy Roadtrip

Here is another long-time coming post. Back in early June I took a solo genealogical road trip across the states of New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri to Wellsville and Ottawa, Kansas. That was a 1300+ mile trip. It took approximately 23 hours to drive that distance considering I had to take a couple of naps in order to continue. Now why would I drive to Kansas from Albany? I was on a genealogical quest that began in the early 1990s. Years later when more family information was found I felt the need to do some on site research on my third great grandparents, Robert and Ann White and their family. Their story follows.

Robert White and wife Ann Strong were both born in Ireland. Robert circa 1813 in County Cavan and Ann around 1815 believed to be born in County Kings, now County Offaly. They were married around 1833 and had the following known children born in Ireland, Joseph, 1834; Charles, 1835; Elizabeth, 1838, and Robert, 1840.

Passenger list from the Salem, page 1, 1843

Passenger list from the Salem, page 2, 1843

On 2 November 1843 the family sailed into New York near the Battery area of Manhattan aboard the bark Salem. Below is a photo of a bark ship. As of today I have not found a photo of the Salem.

Example of a Bark

Previous to 1855 immigrants simply sailed into port, a passenger list was given to customs, and the immigrants went on their way. In 1855 Castle Garden opened as America's first immigrant processing center where over 8 million people entered America. Castle Garden was in operation by New York State until 1890. In 1892 the Federal government took over immigrant processing and moved the operation to Ellis Island, which was larger and more isolated. Ellis Island saw another 12 million immigrants come to America until it closed in 1954.

By 1846 the White family was living in Albany. Robert and Ann also had the following children who were born in Albany. William Henry, 1846; James, 1850; Frances Ann, 1852, Thomas Edward, 1854; and Sarah Jane, 1859. Below is a scan of Robert White's declaration of intent to become an American citizen.

Robert White's Declaration of Intent

Tracing Robert through census records and Albany city directories, he was listed as being either a laborer, a teamster, or a farmer. According to census records in 1860, 1865, & 1870, Robert was a farmer living in the Town of Watervliet. Further research will be conducted to find the location and acreage of the former farm. The 1875 New York State Census has Robert and family residing in the northern district of the tenth ward in the city of Albany. Additional research finds his address as living at 180 Sherman Street. His occupation was a teamster. By 1880, Robert and most of his family completely disappears from all local records. What happened to him his wife, Ann, and most of their children? They simply vanished. They could not be found anywhere. Not in census records, city directories, church records, or any local cemeteries.

Robert's sons Charles William and Joseph were the only White's that continued to be found residing in this area. Charles became a prominent butcher in Albany until his death in 1917.

Charles William White, 1835-1917
Older brother, Joseph was a farmer. He lived in the Colonie area and after his death he was buried in the Pine Grove Cemetery, which was in the vicinity of today's Central and Lincoln Avenues. Joseph was re-interned in Troy's Oakwood Cemetery in 1919 when his family bought a plot there.

Joseph White plot at Oakwood Cemetery
Daughter, Frances Ann married a "mullato" man, G.L. McCarter, at the Methodist mission on 18 December 1873 and completely disappears from all records also.

Fanny White marriage record 1873

It was known by family lore that son William Henry White lied about his age and enlisted in the Civil War against his family's wishes. His father paid someone and got him out of the military and then the boy went and re-enlisted again infuriating his father. Later research found that he joined the New York State Volunteers 134th Infantry and was severely injured in the head at the Battle of Gettysburg. After the war William Henry and his family moved to Kansas. It was said so that he could get away from his father.

William Henry White, 1846-1896

In the early 1990s I took a ride out to the National Archives in Pittsfield to search out of state census records. I found William Henry White living in Kansas City, Missouri with his family in the 1880 Federal Census. They were all listed as being born in New York. Also found was his widow Josephine and children in the 1900 Kansas Federal Census living in Argentine, Wyandotte County, Kansas.

Josephine Elizabeth Parker White, 1849-1921

One of William and Josephine's later children who was born in Kansas was Grace White. Somehow the method in which I tracked down her death certificate slips my mind but I purchased her death record around 1992. As luck would have it, her parents names were listed on the certificate and better yet the informant of this information was listed along with her address. It was found that the address of the informant was old and had changed by this time and at this time Google was not around. I unsuccessfully tried searching for the phone number for my informant, Ruth. A call was made to the operator who said that Ruth's phone number was unlisted and I could not have it. I practically begged the operator to call Ruth and let her know that there was a cousin from New York researching his family tree and if you were interested here is his phone number to contact him. A few hours later Ruth did call me and we compared notes and she said that she was very aware of her grandfather and some of his children originally being from Albany. At this point I was happy that I had found a descendant of William and had a point to work from. Ruth and I corresponded numerous times more.

William's older brother Thomas Edward married Agnes Jane Laing on 3 January 1884 according to the Albany City Marriage Register. August 18th of the same year Agnes died of Bright's Disease at age 33. Burial records from Albany Rural Cemetery list her residence as Kansas. Now it appeared that another son moved to Kansas.

Agnes Jane Laing White, burial card from Albany Rural Cemetery

Years pass and I only know of the two brothers who moved to Kansas; but then last year by chance while name surfing on Google looking for a Robert and Ann White in Kansas I stumbled upon online cemetery records for the Wellsville Cemetery in Wellsville, Franklin County, Kansas. In that cemetery was a Robert and Ann White with ages and dates of death which fell in line with what could fit my ancestors. Then Find a Grave was searched and a photo of their small obelisk was found. Awesome! But I was still not 100% sure that they were my ancestors.

The 1880 Federal Census for Kansas was searched and bingo the family was found living in Hayes Township, Franklin County, Kansas. Listed were Robert and his family. The family was found again in the 1885 Kansas state census living in the same place. Now I know where my ancestors were. They moved to Kansas with their sons leaving sons Joseph and Charles behind in the Albany area. But were the people in the Wellsville Cemetery my ancestors? Their names are very common.

1880 Federal Census, Kansas

Still chasing this lead I contacted the Franklin County Historical Society to see if they had any information on a Robert White family. The archivist, Susan Geiss, for the society contacted me and noted that she would conduct some research for me. I sent her what information I had and within three weeks most questions were answered. She found some farm records and the last will and testament of Robert White. It was the same Robert White who was buried in the Wellsville Cemetery. In the will all of Robert's children were mentioned by name. Now I could rest after tracking down where my great great great grandparents had gone. Rest, not for long!

Page from Robert White's will

After thinking about this new found information new questions arose. First, why would a man in his late sixties uproot and move from Albany to Kansas between 1875 and 1880 after living in the Albany area for over thirty years? It was decided that I would journey on a road trip out to Kansas to conduct research, hopefully find answers, and to meet some cousins.

Robert White's last will and testament also answered another question. What happened to daughter Elizabeth? Did she die locally or did she marry and who did she marry? The will hinted to her marrying a Kelly. Census records were searched for her in Albany, New York and also for her in Kansas. The census records for both states show that she married a William Kelly. Their family also moved to Kansas. Find a Grave was searched and I discovered that she, her husband, and some of their children were buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.

1875 NYS Census listing William Kelly & family

1880 Missouri Census listing William Kelly & family

After putting together an itinerary of the research stops that I wanted to make and after contacting a cousin, Terry, grandson of the granddaughter, Grace White, of William Henry White, I was now on my way.  My gear and food were packed. It was decided that my first stop on the way to Kansas would be to visit the graves of the Kelly's in the Forest Hill Cemetery. I arrived at the cemetery around 2 PM in the afternoon. The office was visited for additional info and I set out to the plot for some photos. The grave site was in extremely good condition. None of the stones needed any attention from me. D2, water, buckets, and brushes were brought along because I knew from a photo on the Find a Grave site that the White obelisk in the Wellsville Cemetery needed cleaning.

Elizabeth White Kelly, burial card from Forest Hill Cemetery
Kelly Headstone at Forest Hill Cemetery

After leaving Forest Hill Cemetery I headed directly to Wellsville, Kansas. It was about 45 minutes away. When I arrived in Wellsville I thought, wow, look at this older mid-western city. It was very quaint and one could vision a scene of "Bonnie and Clyde" robbing a bank and tearing through the streets here. Below are photos of the city of Wellsville.






The downtown section of the town was very small and I quickly circled through downtown to find where the city clerk's office, public library, and historical society were located. Then off to the Wellsville Cemetery I went. The cemetery is located about one mile outside of town. The cemetery is fairly small and I had no problem locating the grave of my ancestors. By this time it was almost 5 PM and I went about cleaning the small obelisk. The setting sun made it difficult to take decent pictures so I decided to come back the next day for a photo shoot.

Robert & Ann White, obelisk at Wellsville Cemetery

There were no motels in Wellsville so I headed to Ottawa, about a 15 minute drive away. Ottawa was on the itinerary anyways. A motel room was secured, sandwich and a beer for dinner, then it was crash-time (bed).  It was a very long day; most of it was driving. The next morning at 9:30 AM I met, Terry, my third cousin, one time removed at the cemetery. After taking pictures and talking with Terry at length we parted and I headed to the Wellsville city clerk's office to try to determine if anyone else was buried in the White plot aside from Robert and Ann. Their names are the only names on the obelisk. The records indicated that it was a large plot, with room for eight burials. But the records listed Robert and Ann as the only burials. Later research indicates that son Robert was also buried there in 1923.

The Wellsville Historical Society was closed and would not be open during my trip. Research at the Wellsville City Library was successful. Its holdings for local individuals and businesses was decent but my research time frame pre-dated what they had. A search of the local newspaper, the Wellsville Globe, found Robert White's obituary.

Robert White obituary from the Wellsville Globe

At this point I started realizing that although I made a decent itinerary plan, I should have left at least a day earlier. It was Friday and all historical societies and court houses were closed Saturday. I could not justify staying over the weekend with really nothing to do. So I kicked in high gear. I headed back to Ottawa and checked out the Ottawa Library. The library had an outstanding genealogy and local history section. Not being able to spend a lot of time there I glanced over what they had and then headed for the Franklin County Courthouse in Ottawa to check for land/farm purchases.

At work at the Franklin County Courthouse

Immediately upon searching the grantor/grantee land records, I started hitting gold. Very quickly I found the deed indicating where and when Robert White bought his farm in Hayes Township. On 26 April 1879 Robert purchased 85 acres of farmland from William and Ann Eliza Boddy for $428. Also found were the deeds for Robert's purchase of his cemetery lot in Wellsville for $8 on 12 March 1885 and the deed for his son, William Henry White's, farm purchase.

Robert White Hayes Township farm deed

While at the courthouse I decided to try to find out where the farm was located. The assessors office helped with that task and gave me exact locations and a map. Below is a map scan of the farm area today.

Area of the former White farmland

Armed with this info I decided to go to the farm after stopping by the Franklin County Historical Society in Ottawa. It was now 4 PM and the society was closing in one hour. Although I did not really know where to begin searching there, the staff was extremely helpful and its holdings are impressive. We found a map of Hayes Township that listed the land owners and the boundaries of all the former farm lands. The boundaries are pretty much the same today as they were in the 1880s.

At 5 PM I started out in the direction of my ancestor's farm. It was about 8 miles outside of Ottawa and half-way to Wellsville. This was true flat farmland and plenty of dusty gravel roads. Quickly I found the address and an older farmhouse. As I drove by I noticed a couple of guys in the driveway. I stopped and introduced myself and told them what I was up to. They rented the property from an out of state owner; so they were not familiar with the history of the farm. I was curious if the house dated back to the 1880s-1890s. While I was there I was asked if I wanted to go inside the older abandoned portion of the farmhouse. I passed on the offer but I did take photos of the farmhouse and land. Below are three views of the farmhouse.





It was suggested to me that I stop by farmer Seiler's house about a mile away. He was familiar with everything in that area I was told. I did; and Seiler was very familiar with the farm. His father was born in the old farmhouse but we were not related. The farm was sold by my family earlier. Seiler indicated that the farmhouse did date back to at least the 1890s. I was ecstatic that I had found my ancestor's farm. Now I was wishing that I had checked out the inside of the old home. Aside from taking photos, I also scooped up a bag of farm soil. So now I have a part of the farm. Below are three different views of the 85 acre farm that Robert White owned and farmed.






It was getting late again so I headed back to Ottawa to crash and to organize my new found records at the motel. The next morning I would begin my trip home but not until after checking out another cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas, Highland Park Cemetery. Many relatives were buried there and my plan was to attempt to get copies of all of the burial cards for my relatives who are resting there and to visit each site to take photos. I was at Highland Park from 9 AM until noon and then I headed home. Yes, I found everything and everyone whom I was looking for except for the burial location of William Henry White. His wife, Josephine, is buried there and perhaps he is also. When he died the cemetery was just in its infancy and there are no burial records dating to that era.
Below is a photo of the plot where Josephine is buried. She unfortunately does not have her own grave marker.

Duffendack/White lot in Highland Park Cemetery

Below are photos of Josephine Elizabeth Parker White's burial card and a photo of the lot card indicating who else is buried in that plot.

Josephine Elizabeth Parker White burial card

Interment card for White plot at Highland Park Cemetery

Now, my trip was finished and it was time to head back home. I finally got home around 2:30 PM Sunday afternoon and began organizing, entering, and filing my new found family history. Asked if I would do it again.... absolutely!


20 December 2016

January 2017 History Programs at the East Greenbush Community Library

January is right around the corner and the East Greenbush Community Library is continuing its monthly historical programs. Some interesting presentations at the library next month and further out include the following.

Greenbush Historical Society Presents Steamboats on the Hudson
Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 2 PM
Details: For a century beginning with the Clermont in 1807, steamboats were the best way to get between Albany and New York City. Tom Allison will share a collection of images from around Albany showing what life aboard steamboats was like. Some of Mr. Allison's collection will be on display during January. His book, Hudson River Steamboat Catastrophes: Contests and Collisions  will be available for purchase.

10 Websites for Genealogy
Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 6 PM
Details: Interested in your family history but don't want to spend a fortune subscribing to online databases? There are plenty of free websites where you can find records, record your family information, share stories and pictures, browse old newspapers, or read the musings of hundreds of genealogy hobbyists! Join professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty for a presentation on where to find these money-saving resources.

Both of these programs require attendees to register.


For further information please contact:
East Greenbush Community Library
10 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061
Phone: 518.477-7476
Web: www.eastgreenbushlibrary.org

12 November 2016

Online Genealogists & Online Family Trees

This post has been a long time coming. It culminates from observations that I made over the last few years. I am also curious how many other fellow genealogists feel the same and have the same frustrations. The effect of the Internet on the world of genealogy cannot be denied. In the late 1990s, when I put my genealogy away for a period to work on other projects; the Internet was present but it was not all encompassing as it is today. When I came back to genealogy five years ago I could not believe how things changed for the better. Messages and notes could now be sent and responded to immediately via email instead of postal mail. Queries could now be posted worldwide on web sites instead of listing in select genealogical publications. Simple searches for out of the area resources such as archive addresses, phone numbers, and contacts required going to a library to find this information. Today most of us use Google for tracking down this data. Online genealogical research subscription sites are numerous. Three of these sites that I subscribe to are Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Geneanet.

Many genealogists do not use these subscription sites because they do not want to pay for something that they can use elsewhere for free; such as searching census records. I subscribe to these sites for the convenience of conducting research at any time of the day or night that suites me. On all of the previously mentioned sites, subscribers have the ability to upload their data to create online family trees along with photos. Many take advantage of this option. This is great in my opinion. However, this is where for me the aggravation begins.

My data has been uploaded to all of the mentioned sites and online family trees created. On one site, numerous family photos were also uploaded. This was done for a specific reason. So that others who are researching the same family line as me can find this information. The photos are used as "cousin bait." But a lesson learned for me is I am not baiting anyone. Other researchers simply take and attach my family photos to their trees. There is no problem with this but I am seriously perplexed as to why this is done without contacting me for possible further information. And even more questions arise when I contact them and ask them "where do they fit into the family tree?" Responses are never received by me.

Another "beef" for me about online trees is when a researcher erroneously attaches my family to their online tree and when I contact them to notify them of their error I either receive no response or they insist that they are correct.

The purchase of DNA kits and uploading this data to an online tree is also a question to me at times. On average a DNA kit costs around $100. The kit results are then posted sometimes to an online tree that has six individuals in it or sometimes no tree uploaded. Really? That seems like money not well spent. How would anyone be able to compare trees when their data is extremely scarce or does not exist? To give some people the benefit of the doubt, perhaps a DNA kit was purchased and uploaded simply to find their ethnicity. I do get that. They may not be interested in the research aspect; just where they came from.

For me the message I am trying to get across is if a fellow genealogist contacts you with a question or a remark, please get back to them. The response does not have to be done yesterday but definitely in a somewhat timely manner. It is plain rude to not respond. Ah, I feel better.

29 October 2016

Evangelical Protestant Cemetery Update

An update for the work at the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery can be found at the Friend's blog. The new post summarizes the completed work and what lies ahead for this Winter and next year. A new video is also posted on the blog.

30 September 2016

Capital District Genealogical Society Meeting & Anniversary

On 22 October 2016, the Capital District Genealogical Society will hold its monthly meeting at the William K. Sanford, Town of Colonie Library at 629 Albany-Shaker Road, Loudonville. This month's program is titled Getting Past Research Roadblocks and will be presented by Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer.

Program snipit: What genealogist doesn’t have research roadblocks? Breaking through them requires studying the ancestor and his associates as thoroughly as possible to construct a detailed timeline of his life and find clues for further research that may yield a solution.

The CDGS meetings are held on the 4th Saturday of month, except 3rd Saturday of month in May; and no meeting in December.
All regular meetings 1:00PM.
Interest groups meet 12 to 1PM.
Computer Resources Group meets 2:30PM.

After this month's program, a celebration of our 35th year as the Capital District Genealogical Society will be held. I have been a member of the CDGS on and off for years and may have been present at one of the very first CDGS meetings. I recall attending a CDGS meeting in a small lecture room within the New York State Library many many years ago. I remember Peter and Florence Christoph giving a talk during that meeting.

22 September 2016

Lecture on Early Relgion in Albany

Although this is short notice regarding this program, it was brought to my attention yesterday that Stefan Bielinski, retired Senior Historian in the History Office of the New York State Museum, will be conducting a lecture on Early Religion in Albany this Sunday, 25 September 2016 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Details below are cut and pasted from the Cathedral web page.

EVENT DETAILS 
Event: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception History & Heritage Program Fall Lecture 
Title: Religion in Early Albany: Spiritual Comfort in an Emerging American City 
Date: Sunday, September 25, 2016 Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. 
Place: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Eagle Street & Madison Avenue, Albany 
Cost: The presentation is free & open to the public; Suggested goodwill donation in support of the Cathedral’s Social Services Program. 
Description: A multi-media presentation by Public Historian Stefan Bielinski will look at religion in early Albany and focus on the people involved in the half dozen early churches operating in Albany before 1800. 

For Further Information Contact: Reverend Michael A. Farano, Administrator Phone: (518) 463-4447 or Contact: Brian Buff, Cathedral History & Heritage Program Coordinator Phone: (518) 322-7036 


17 September 2016

Nassau Oktoberfest

Copied from the Rensselaer County Advertiser newspaper:

Nassau's Village Beautification Committee presents a traditional Oktoberfest celebration on Sunday, September 25th, at the Village Commons Park on John Street, just off US Route 20. The event runs from 12 noon until 4 PM and features traditional German foods, beverages, and entertainment.

Inspired by European harvest festivals, the Oktoberfest menu will include a variety of tasty treats including an array of locally-made German sausages, vegan bratwurst, imported German sauerkraut, potato salad, and made-as-you-watch potato pancakes. All foods are available for take-out.

What's an Oktoberfest without good beer? That question is answered with a broad selection of both imported German beers and fresh and local ales from Nassau's own S & S Farm Brewery.

Nassau's own Bavarian Barons, a traditional German brass band founded in the village over 50 years ago. With a lively program of polkas, waltzes, and marches, the group has a long history of entertaining the public throughout New York and New England.

Admission is free and will take place under tents rain or shine. Guests may bring their own chairs if they wish. For additional information, go to www.Nassau12123.com or call 518.766.2291.


Nassau Library Local History Program

Free programs that explore local history have been set for the Nassau Free Library. Many family history files containing names, dates, and other information through which one can trace area family roots are on file in the library.

Genealogy 101 presented by Arthur Young will begin at the library on Monday, October 17 and will conclude on Monday, November 21, with "What's in the Nassau Free Library Local History Collection?" presented by Kurt Vincent, Nassau Village Historian and Nassau Free Library Trustee.

All programs start at 7PM, are scheduled for the historic "main room" of the Library, in the original 1835 structure. Home of the Library since 1893, the building is part of the Church Street Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Library is located at 18 Church Street, US Route 20, Nassau.

The Library's web page is located here.

09 September 2016

Lecture on the Impact of World War I on Albany's German-American Community

A lecture on the impact of the First World War on Albany's German-American community is being developed for a presentation this coming February at the New Scotland Museum; the home of the New Scotland Historical Association. The talk is scheduled for Sunday 5 February 2017. The museum is open Sundays between 2 PM and 4 PM and is located in New Salem at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center on Old New Salem Road off Route 85 just past the intersection of Route 85A. More details will follow as the date approaches. For more information please visit the website or call 518.765.4652.

08 September 2016

Upcoming Albany History Event

Coming up on Saturday 24 September 2016 is the third annual Albany History Race. Last year I participated in this race with a friend Paul. It was a lot of fun and we took third place out of about 20 + teams. Not bad for first-timers. The event is hosted by the Albany Public Library and its focus will be on historic buildings in the city.

Last September I posted an article on my participation in the Albany History Race. The story can be found here.



Details clipped from the library website:

Event Type: Adult Program
Age Group(s): Adult (Ages 18+)
Date: 9/24/2016
Start Time: 1:00 PM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Description:
 The Third Annual Albany History Race is an Amazing Race style afternoon scavenger hunt for history experts, novices, and visitors interested in learning about Albany’s past. No prior knowledge is needed to participate. For this year's race, the Albany Public Library is partnering with Historic Albany Foundation and showcasing the endangered buildings of our city. The event will begin in the library’s local history room and conclude at McGeary’s Pub, where teams will receive 20% off their food and drink that afternoon. Additional Albany themed prizes will be awarded to the fastest teams!

Here's how you can participate and win!

Make a team! All teammates must fit in one car. You provide the car.

Meet at the library at 1pm on Saturday, 9/24 to receive clues directing you to historic locations in Albany.

Plan the quickest route to visit the locations that afternoon.

Hop in your team's car, race to the spots, and document your visit with your cell phone camera or digital camera.

The final stop is McGeary's Pub where all teams will get a 20% discount on food and drink! We'll also reward the fastest teams with additional Albany themed prizes!

Registration begins September 1, 2016. To sign up your team, have only one member of your team register below. or call 518-427-4376. For more details, please email localhistory@albanypubliclibrary.org.
Library: Washington Ave. Branch    Map 
Location: Albany Public Library -- Washington Ave.
Registration Ends: 9/23/2016 at 5:00 PM
Status: Openings

Register at this link


22 August 2016

Online Dutch Archives & Records

It is hoped that this article will be a handy resource for anyone who is fortunate enough to have Dutch ancestry. The Dutch have phenomenal genealogical records. Not just their civil records such as births, marriages, and deaths, but also for their church records. In 1811, all provinces (states) of the Netherlands were required to record all births, marriages, and deaths. Church records such as baptisms, marriages, and burials are the necessary records to search before 1811. Church records may date back into the 1500s.

Genealogists looking to research Dutch records will be glad to know that many of these records are accessible online. Not just indexes and transcriptions of the records but many times a scan of the actual record is available; for free also. All archives' websites are different so the researcher will not know until the sites are searched.

Below is a list of online archives that I have book marked. Many of these sites have been used by me and some have not. The archives are organized by the province that they are within. A few of the larger, mainstream, and informative sites that might be sought after are listed first.

Larger and Popular Sites
WieWasWie
FamilySearch
FamilySearchWiki
National Archives of the Netherlands
Archivenet

Church Records
Access to church records on Family Search by province

Archives in Province of Drenthe
AlleDrenten

Archives in Province of Friesland
HistoricCentreLeeuwarden
Tresoar
Ameland
AlleFriezen

Archives in Province of Gelderland
Barneveld
Apeldoorn
Gelderland Archief
Regional Archief Zutphen
Achterhoek & Liemers
Regional Archief Nijimegen
Regional Archief Rivierenland

Archives in Province of Groningen
Gemeente Archief Hoogezand-Sappemeer
AlleGroningers

Archives in Province of Limburg
Rijckheyt
All Limburgers
Gemeente Archief Venlo
Archief Venray
Gemeente Archief Weert

Archives in Province of Noord Brabant
West Brabant Archives
BHIC
Regional Archief Tilburg
Breda Archives
Regionaal Historich Centrum Eindhoven
Altena Archief
Gemert-Bakel Archief
Waalwijck Archief
's Hertogenbosch Archief

Archives in Province of Noord Holland
Noord Holland Archives
Westfries Archive
Regional Archive Alkmaar
Zaanstad Archive
Vecht en Venen
Waterlands Archief

Archives in Province of Overijssel
Historical Centre Overijssel
Gemeente Archief Kampen
Gemeetearchief Hengelo

Archives in Province of Utrecht
Utrechts Archief
Archives Eemland

Archives in Province of Zeeland
Zeeland Archief
Gemeente Archief Schouwen-Duiveland
Gemeente Archief Goes
Gemeente Archief Tholen

Archives in Province of Zuid Holland
Delft Archief
Stadarchief Rotterdam
Voorne-Putten & Rozenburg
Rijnland Archief
Rijnstreek en Lopikerwaard
Regional Archives Dordrecht
Den Haag Archives
Leiden Archives
Vlaardingen Archives
Schiedam Archief
Stadarchief Delft
Gemeente Zederik
Oud Soetermeer

12 August 2016

Deutscher Kreiger Vereine

This is not a post that I like but I feel the need to get it out. In January 2015, I posted a short article on the Deutscher Kreiger Vereine or DKV. In the post I attached a picture of one of the last remaining DKV flag holders in the area that I knew of. Over time there were some questions that readers emailed me regarding the DKV. One reader emailed me a few months ago and notified me that the DKV flag holder was missing from the gravesite. I mentioned perhaps the family removed it to clean it up or repair it. Recently I traveled to the cemetery where the flag holder was located and it was still missing as of last week. It is hoped that my article did not draw attention to it and then someone stole it. Either way if the family did not remove it, shame on whoever took it.


06 August 2016

New Video detailing work at the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery

A new seven minute video was created and is located at the bottom of this blog. The video was created by my daughter on her cell phone and it shows the work and effort that has been put into reclaiming the Krumkill Road Evangelical Protestant Cemetery. We just finished rehabbing an area in the cemetery that we are calling the Civil War grove. Numerous Civil War vets and their wives are buried there. With so many vets buried in this area, we decided to work on their gravestones first.

Many thanks go out to those who have aided this project in one way or another. A thank you goes out to Julie who recently gave a donation towards this project. Thank you!


31 July 2016

Evangelical Protestant Cemetery Update

Summer is here and much work has been accomplished at Albany's Evangelical Cemetery on Krumkill Road. Numerous gravestones have been repaired, cleaned, and up righted. A full update as to what has been happening at the cemetery can be found on the blog of the Friends of the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery.

Aside from cemetery restoration work, I am still researching my genealogy. Haven't blogged in a while do to being busy with other things; but an exciting recent find in my genealogy research was to find the marriage record for one of my 10th great grandparents, Walterus Adrianus van Spreuwel and Adriana Adrianus Joannes Tijmans. They were married in Hilvarenbeek, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands on 24 November 1598. The year of their births are being estimated to be circa 1575. I must admit that my belief that genealogy records from the Netherlands and Belgium are bar none some of the best around. Many of their records are available online at various Dutch archives on the net. Indexes and actual scans of the original records are available most of the time. A list of online Dutch resources will be posted at a later date.

Finally, a June solo genealogy road trip to Kansas City/Wellsville/Hayes Township Kansas was very productive. Much info was gained from the trip and I was also able to meet one of my distant cousins, Terry. I am still in the process of going over this info, scanning items, and recording data in my genealogy software. A full synopsis of the trip and its findings will be the focus of an upcoming blog post.

13 May 2016

Genealogy Programs at Excelsior College

Recently I discovered that the Center for Professional Development at Excelsior College offers two online non-credit certificate programs in genealogy. The courses are Genetic Genealogy and Practicum in Genealogical Research. Both courses are for 16 weeks and cost $1595.00. Excelsior is offering a 10% discount for NEHGS, NGS, or APG members. Classes begin on 6 September and the enrollment deadline is 31 August. Course descriptions can be found here. Both courses are taught by highly respected and nationally known genealogists.


12 May 2016

Upcoming Local & NYS Genealogical/Cemetery Events

This area will have quiet a few upcoming genealogy and cemetery events happening soon and into the future. A list of these events is below. Please contact the hosts if planning on attending, as costs are involved with some of these programs.



21 May 2016, at the Town of Colonie, Sanford Library, 629 Albany-Shaker Road, Loudonville
Cemeteries and Family History: Alexis Graham and Bob Posson
12:00-1:00 Interest groups
1:00-2:30 Meeting and Speaker
2:30-3:30 Computer Resources

Sitting at the computer or getting your hands dirty: cemeteries are a valuable tool for documenting genealogy lineage. Alexis will introduce us to the three most popular gravesite websites with a focus on Find a Grave. Bob will then take us through the steps of field research; you'll be surprised at the mysteries that can be solved and tender sentiments that can be uncovered in the reading and preserving of headstones for future generations.

25 June 2016, at the New York State Library, Albany
Research Tour at the New York State Library
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Join us for a day of exploring the genealogical resources at the New York State Library and Archives. There are published genealogies, local histories, church records, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) records, United States and New York State Census records, newspapers on microfilm, city directories and much more. Orientation tours will be at 10am and 12:30pm. CDGS volunteers will be available for assistance.


  • The Friends of the New Mount Ida Cemetery will be conducting work at restoring damaged gravestones at the cemetery with professional gravestone conservator, Joe Ferrannini.
4 June 2016New Mount Ida Cemetery, Pinewoods Avenue, Troy
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM


21 May 2016, at the Gardener Crematorium in Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue, Troy
8:30 AM - 2:45 PM


30 - 31 July 2016, at the Great Camp Sagamore, Raquettte Lake, New York
Cemeteries, Materials, and Care


2016 New York State Family History Conference 
15 - 17 September 2016, at the Liverpool Holiday Inn, Syracuse

Now in its third year, the event will bring together hundreds of genealogists from across the United States to learn about their New York ancestry.

Research in Albany 2016
26 - 28 October 2016, at the New York State Library & Archives

The NYG&B's popular annual Albany research trip is Wednesday-Saturday, October 26-28, 2016. Join the New York experts, the people who know New York research best, for three days of research concentrated in the vast resources of New York State Archives (NYSA) and the New York State Library (NYSL). You'll also enjoy the camaraderie of friendly people who share your interest in family history.



ABOUT 2016 NEW YORK STATE FAMILY HISTORY CONFERENCE

13 April 2016

Evangelical Protestant Cemetery update

Over the past Winter much work was accomplished at the Krumkill Road Evangelical Protestant cemetery. The very mild weather enabled us to work at the cemetery for upwards of four hours once a week to reclaim its grounds from the encroaching brush. We have made significant gains and the project appears to be winding down. It is hoped that we will be finished within a month.

Aside from the initial video that was posted in November 2015 that detailed the poor conditions at the cemetery, two other videos have been posted on the blog for The Friends of the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery. These short videos show a little of the work that was accomplished over the Winter but they also document the sad state of how our society's values have lowered where people feel that it is alright to illegally dump household garbage and other items in a cemetery of all places. Other actions that have taken place at the cemetery include consumption of alcohol, sexual activity, and drug usage. All of these "findings" were not documented in the videos but were found firsthand by myself.

Please check the blog for the Friends of the Evangelical Protestant cemetery for more information. Soon a new video will be created and posted to detail what was accomplished at the cemetery and what still needs to be addressed.

24 March 2016

Update

It seems that I have not posted much so far in 2016. Other things have taken preference but I shall return. However my genealogy work has continued and I am still lagging in trying to get my files and papers scanned and organized better. Below are some items that I listed that I plan to do this year.


  • Blog more often
  • Continue with my genealogy research
  • Finish work at the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery by Mother's Day
  • Attempt to scan and organize genealogy files
  • Decide whether to seek accreditation or certification in genealogy

16 February 2016

John & Sophia Albert

On a day off from work, I am going through my paper files. The task is to get them organized, digitally scanned, and stored in archival albums. After collecting family papers and notes since 1980, I have amassed a large collection which desparately needs my attention. There are numerous papers in my folders that I was not aware that I had. Such as a receipt for the purchase of the plot where my great great grandparents, John and Sophia Albert are buried in Our Lady Help of Christians cemetery in Glenmont, New York. A scan is below.

Plot deed

The receipt is dated 23 November 1909. The day before Sophia Albert was buried there. It was purchased by two of her children John M. Albert and Julia Albert for $35. According to the plot card, (scan is below) the lot held twelve graves.

Plot card

Many years later on 6 June 1929, John and Julia Albert paid another $100 for perpetual care for the lot of their parents.

Perpetual care receipt

A photo of their lot is below.

Albert Headstone

John Albert (1855-1899) married Sophia Albert (1858-1909) on 13 Sept 1874 at Our Lady Help of Christians church on Second Avenue. Both were children of German immigrants from Baden. As far as I can determine, the two were not related. John was a moulder working for Ransom Stove Company, in Albany.

John & Sophia Albert

The family resided for many years at 55 Second Avenue, opposite and below their beloved church, Our Lady Help of Christians.

55 Second Avenue, 2015

Children of John and Sophia were:

  • John Michael Albert (1876-1956) married Sarah Elizabeth Baker (1884-1955)
  • Michael Alfred Albert (1877-1934)
  • Joseph Clarance Albert (1879-1936)

Joseph Clarance Albert

  • Julia Agnes Albert (1881-1969)
Julia Agnes Albert
  • Harry Alvin Albert (1883-1950)
  • Mary Margaret Albert (1886-1963) married Joseph William Koreman (1886-1979)
Mary Margaret Albert

30 January 2016

Catching Up

Wow, this is my first post in about two months. Time passes too quickly. I have been very busy with inventorying, cataloguing, and digitizing family photos and documents along with doing further genealogical research. And also helping the Friends of the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery project. Winter may seem like not the right time to clean-up the cemetery, but believe me, it is. There are no bugs. It is not hot and humid. And the leaves and all greenery are dead which make for easier removal.

One very cool find for me recently was to find the marriage record of one of my 7th great grandparents, Cornelius Adriani Govaerts and Maria Corneli Boterspot. They were married on 07 January 1698 in Meerle, Belgium. Below is a scan of the original record.


Thinking about my find; it is interesting to note how many ancestors we have. In reality looking at the big picture, we really know very little of our family unless you are doing genealogical research. Below I typed some facts about how many direct ancestors we have when tracing back twelve generations.

Everyone person has
(2) parents
(4) grandparents
(8) great grandparents (1 great)
(16) great great grandparents (2 greats)
(32) great great great grandparents (3 greats)
(64) great great great great grandparents (4 greats)
(128) great great great great great grandparents (5 greats)
(256) great great great great great great grandparents (6 greats)
(512) great great great great great great great grandparents (7 greats)
(1024) great great great great great great great great grandparents (8 greats)
(2048) great great great great great great great great great grandparents (9 greats)
(4096) great great great great great great great great great great grandparents (10 greats)

These numbers are only for your direct ancestors. They do not include aunt, uncles, cousins, and spouses. Therefore when tracing your tree backwards and then forward with including all branches of all lines; we can very easily create a very large family tree.